7 Picturesque Towns in the Southern United States for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
Sometimes, you just need a weekend getaway to relax, take a breath, and enjoy life. The Southern region of the United States is filled with picturesque small towns, each a hidden gem that offers visitors stunning views of nature, delicious local eateries, fun amenities, and the promise of outdoor adventures. Get ready because after visiting in 2024, you just might start drinking iced sweet tea and using Southern slang like “y’all.”
Fairhope, Alabama
This town of 23,000 is located deep in Southern Alabama, on the eastern shoreline of the Mobile Bay. Stay at the famous Grand Hotel in Fairhope to experience fine southern hospitality or along the coast or bay at a bed and breakfast like Emma’s Bay House. Unwind as you stroll down the Fairhope Pier, and then try to indulge your creative side by viewing the latest exhibit at the Eastern Shore Art Center. You must meander the town’s French Quarter, which boasts Alabama’s largest crepe myrtle tree, along with a cobblestone courtyard and charming, eclectic shops that beckon visitors in to explore.
Take a swing at the Rock Creek Golf Course or walk along the beach hamlet. If you hope to spend time doing activities in nature, check out Oak Hollow Farm’s skeet shooting, hayrides, and hiking or Southern Exposure’s Inshore Fishing expeditions. And that doesn’t even begin to cover all of the delicious casual and fine dining establishments, including Baldwin County’s oldest restaurant, Julwin’s, and others like Tamara’s downtown. Make sure to order some seafood; it’s bound to be fresh!
Blue Ridge, Georgia
This tiny town of barely over 1,200 residents is the perfect mountainous weekend retreat, only 90 miles north of Atlanta. Blue Ridge was initially established as a railroad town, and it retained much of its charm throughout the decades. In fact, visitors can still ride the train. Recharge with a stroll down Main Street and admire all of the local goods sold in the shops lining the road. In the fall months, get a “taste” of local life and go apple-picking at the family-owned Mercier Orchard, the largest orchard in the Southeast. In the summertime, try rafting the white water rapids on the Ocoee River.
Ever felt like you were in two places at once? Well, in Blue Ridge, you really can--just up the road, you can stand with one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee. Soak in nature with a hike at one of the 16 waterfalls located nearby. You can also treat yourself to a wine tasting at one of Blue Ridge’s vineyards. Then, sit on the back balcony at one of the many cabins available for rent through Mountain Retreat Cabin Rentals or Stone Family Properties. Or, if you’re hoping to invite others along on your retreat, consider securing several of the cabins at the Whispering Pines Campground.
St. Francisville, Louisiana
Located just outside of Baton Rouge, this dreamy small town is the ideal weekend trip. Stay at the St. Francisville Inn, where you can dine at one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America, or check out a local bed & breakfast like the Myrtles Plantation or The Shadetree. Many of these, including The Shadetree, have cultivated a relaxing natural oasis with cozy, peaceful seating areas throughout the property and picturesque panoramic views. You can even pick up birdwatching or sit by the campfire if it suits your fancy.
Stroll through the historic downtown district and admire the French-inspired architecture, from the Grace Episcopal Church to the Rosedown Plantation Site. This town has over 200 years of history and just over 1,500 residents. Check out one of the multiple local businesses or, if you prefer the outdoors, venture out to the Afton Villa Gardens to see beautiful flowers. You can dive deep into the history of the South with Audubon State Historic Site or West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum. Truly, this will be a retreat you will not forget.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
An isle off the coast of Georgia, the salty marshes and sandy stretches of Saint Simons Island are calling your name. This area is home to almost 16,000, and you will get no better respite than in this seaside resort community. You can, of course, stroll along the beach for hours, but if you want a change of scenery, try walking past the St. Simons Island Light or the live southern oaks near the entrance to the Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. You might even spy one of the tree spirits carved into the weathered trunks all throughout the island! If your version of relaxing is retail therapy, the St. Simons Pier Village is up your alley, with dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The area has a wide array of lodging accommodations, from upscale resorts like The King and Prince Beach & Gift Resort to more budget-friendly places like the Sea Gate Inn.
Bring binoculars to get a close-up view of the migrating whales and local birds like spoonbills and gannets. Another way to get a close-up of wildlife is by visiting sea turtles in rehabilitation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. If you prefer spending your time indoors, try touring some of the historical sites, hitting the casino, or attending a performance at a historic theater. Driftwood Beach is so charming, though it is likely you may not be able to pry yourself off a lounge chair on the beach the entire weekend. All in all, this barrier island in the Golden Isles is worth exploring.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford may be known as the most populous city in the state of Mississippi, but its population of 26,000 still fits the bill for a small town. This college town is filled to the brim with charm. It’s no surprise it was named after Oxford, England. If you’re visiting in the fall, check Ole Miss’ football schedule to see if you can fit in a Saturday game or experience the world of pre-game tailgating. If you want to stay in the heartbeat of the lively city, consider reserving a room downtown at The Oliver Hotel or the Courtyard by Marriott. Otherwise, escape to Castle Hill, a stunning Southern home and property.
Saunter through the square and snag local souvenirs at one of the many local boutiques. Top off your weekend with a visit to one of the museums or a walk around the beautiful college campus. If you’re hoping to spice up your evenings with some music or entertainment, be sure to make your way to one of Oxford’s many nightlife venues. It won’t take you long to realize why this lovely town inspired many famous literary writers, including William Faulkner.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is a barrier island that can be found on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts a population of 38,000 people, but over 2 million tourists typically flood the area during peak seasons like the summertime. This town is only a fifty-minute drive from Savannah and two hours from Charleston. This town is an ideal weekend retreat, though, particularly in the off-season. Amble along the marina boardwalk and admire the Harbour Town Lighthouse after dining at one of the delicious local spots like The Drydock Seafood & Spirits or Lucky Rooster Kitchen & Bar. If you’re seeking adventure on your getaway, check out the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to the chain of wildlife refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, particularly migratory birds.
Explore the great outdoors with one of the many incredible hiking trails, lounge about on the beach, or learn a bit about history at one of Hilton Head’s many museums. Or better yet, hop on a dolphin boat cruise to see the marine wildlife up close. Regardless of what you do, Hilton Head’s beauty and charm will envelop you into another world for the weekend, and you will walk away refreshed.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
This small beach community in the 30A area of Florida just east of Destin has so much more to offer than beautiful white, sandy beaches. If you like to stay active, bike down Timpoochee Trail--or to bike down the road to snag a shaved ice. One of the special perks of Rosemary is its proximity to several other small beach towns, including Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, Seacrest, and more. Their downtown is brightly colored and boasts of dozens of high-quality local shops and eateries that line the cobblestone streets. If you want to step into what feels like an Italian or Greek town, add Alys Beach to your list, just a few miles up the road. Rosemary Beach is an upscale, European-style beach experience, especially if you stay at The Pearl hotel. Swing by The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and pick up a book, then go lay out in one of the many striped beach chairs lining the beach. Visiting Rosemary Beach will change how you vacation--not to mention, the stunning ocean water, delightful town center, and delicious dining scene will rejuvenate you in ways you didn’t even realize you needed.
If you’re dreaming of escaping to a quaint small town in the South for the weekend, stop thinking about it and start packing your suitcase. These seven towns across the South have everything you could want in a getaway: good food, fun attractions and activities, and beautiful scenery, all wrapped up in rich history and lively cultures. Whether you want to fill your weekend with outdoor adventures or beach relaxing or walks through a darling downtown, each of these towns has what you’re looking for.
